Dream Premier League Club, Samuel Eto'o and Carlos Baleba

Levante striker Etta Eyong is currently one of the hottest properties in world football. The 22-year-old Cameroon striker only joined Levante from Villarreal on September 1 for €3m, but his value has skyrocketed after bagging six LaLiga goals and three assists in 11 games.

Eyong is currently the third-top scorer in LaLiga, with one of his six goals coming for Villarreal before he made the Levante switch. He currently has one more goal than Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. And only Kylian Mbappe (13 goals, 2 assists) has more goal contributions in LaLiga so far this season.

Eyong scored against Real Madrid on September 23 and even swapped shirts with Mbappe after the game. The pair share Cameroonian heritage and Mbappe’s father, Wilfried, was born in Douala, just like Eyong.

“I just had a feeling I was going to score against Real Madrid, so when it happened I wasn't surprised,” said Eyong, speaking exclusively to GiveMeSport from Levante’s City of Valencia Stadium. "It was a special game for me. It’s a shame we couldn’t win the match, but I was glad my goal could give the Levante fans something to cheer.

"It wasn’t really a specular goal, but it was a difficult one because I had to win an aerial duel with a goalkeeper of Thibaut Courtois’ height and quality. I just jumped for the ball with heart and ambition.

"At the end of the game, I wanted to get Mbappe's shirt, and Aurelien Tchouameni’s as well. They both have Cameroonian blood inside them. I discussed it with Mbappe on the pitch and said, “Please keep your jersey for me!

"I am saving all the shirts I exchange and when I own my own house, I'm going to hang them all on the walls. I want my future children to see all the football stars I played against, especially superstars like Mbappe, and some of the teams I scored against."

From Aces To Goals

Eyong spent much of his early childhood with a racket in hand rather than a football at his feet because his father, Joseph, was a tennis player in Cameroon. He could just as easily have been parading his skills on Spain’s clay courts instead of in LaLiga had he not lost a youth championship match and decided to switch to a team sport.

"My father taught me tennis from a young age," said Eyong. "I wasn't a bad player, but when I lost in a final, I decided to quit and pursue football instead. I knew almost immediately this was the path for me."

Eyong was inspired by his aunt, Manuella Bekombo, who was a forward for Cameroon Women at the time. She persuaded Eyong’s family to support his journey into football even though money was tight. And although Eyong had all the natural attributes to emulate Bekombo and become a top striker, he actually started as a central midfielder.

“I owe a lot to my aunt," said Eyong. "It was so fun to see her play, score some goals and celebrate with her friends. I got a sense from her of what it was like to have teammates you love. In tennis, you stand all alone against an opponent on the other side of the net. In football, you have a family and make lifelong friendships. So I developed my love of football through my aunt. That’s what made me want to become a professional footballer.

"It was a challenge to get where I am because we didn't have much money and I had to get to training in a different town around 10 kilometres away. I didn't always have a lift home, so would sometimes walk all the way back or share a friend's bicycle. But I always believed in myself and would tell my parents, ‘Don’t worry, I’m going to make it!"

Eyong's grandmother, Odile Wanga, was particularly supportive of his career choice, and when she passed away in July 2021 he was deeply affected by the loss. Eyong pays tribute to his grandmother before every game and has a tattoo to honour her memory.

"My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was like a mother to me," said Eyong. "She was one of the most important people in my life. She always believed I would become a professional footballer. And she taught me the value of love and kindness. It's because of her that I have never forgotten my roots, and that’s why I want to give back and support my family. My objective is to build a house for my father and pay the school fees for my younger brother and sister. That's the best thing that I can do. It makes me very happy when I see my siblings going to school with their books."

From Cameroon To Cadiz

Eyong's grandmother sadly didn't get to see him play in Europe, but it wasn't long after she died that he was discovered by Cadiz, who where a LaLiga side at the time and brought him to their Academy in January 2022. It was here Eyong was converted to a forward. He would go on to score 14 goals for Cadiz’s B team in 2023/24, enough to earn him a transfer to Villarreal last summer.

​​"When I first arrived at Cadiz I wasn't playing much," said Eyong, who would end up making almost 50 appearances for Cadiz's B team. "But in my last year there the coach [Alberto Cifuntes] asked me to play as a striker. I ended up top scorer that season. I was actually only put upfront because another forward got injured and, thankfully, scoring goals just came naturally to me."

A £25m Header

Eyong scored 19 goals for Villarreal's B team in the third tier of Spanish football and yet his strong form only led to seven appearances with the senior side prior to his move to Levante on deadline day last summer.

Nonetheless, fans of the Yellow Submarine remember Eyong fondly after he scored a vital 89-minute header as Villarreal beat Girona 1-0 in May. The goal went a long way to Villarreal securing Champions League football, which was worth at least £25m to the club.

"That was my favourite goal because it was so important," said Eyong, who likes to get his hair cut as part of his pre-match ritual. "To come off the bench and score a header that helped the club earn millions in the Champions League, that’s the best moment I've had in football. I hope to score a goal of similar importance for Levante."

Eyong also scored his first goal of this season in Villarreal's 2-0 home victory over Real Oviedo before making the short 60km journey to Levante in September. Paying a modest fee, the so-called Frogs got one of the bargains of the summer, although Villarreal do retain a sell-on clause.

"I came here to play regularly and to help keep Levante in LaLiga," said Eyong. "The key to my scoring streak this season is simply hard work. And without my teammates, it also wouldn’t be possible. I have a lot of self-belief and that’s showing in my performances.

"The manager [Julian Calero] has told me he loves my style. I always want to give my best for him in games and in training. He's like a father figure to me.

"I am just proud to be up there with the top scorers in LaLiga. It’s just a pleasure to play for Levante and I get so much joy with every goal I score.

"I am happy to be above Vinicius Jr in the scoring charts, and some other great players as well. Maybe I'll still be avove him at the end of the season, and even Mbappe! But the most important thing is just that I feel confident on the pitch."

Trademark Piccolo Celebration

Eyong has only been at Levante for two months, but has become an instant hit with the fans. The manner in which he out-muscled and out-jumped Thibaut Courtois to score against Real Madrid showcased his athleticism and quick thinking, while his goal against Real Betis was one of both instinct and composure as he rounded Alvaro Valles before practically bursting the net.

Some fans have drawn parallels with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland due to Eyong’s ability to activate 'beast mode' in games. Yet he's far too humble to accept the comparison, and prefers dragons anyway…

Eyong is an anime aficionado and his favourite character is Piccolo from the popular Japanese series Dragon Ball.

Eyong is a relatively common surname in Cameroon and so Etta's family and close friends simply call him Piccolo. His social media profile pictures are of Piccolo in a Levante shirt, and GiveMeSport understands there is even an appetite to bear the fictional warrior's name on the back of his shirt one day.

Piccolo comes from a planet called Namek and was originally evil, but he soon transforms into a hero. Much like Eyong, he has several unique skills, including the ability to expand his arms, run at lightening pace and even boasts superhuman strength. His go-to move is the Special Beam Cannon (Makankosappo), which sees him fire energy beams unleashed from two fingers held to his forehead, and it's become Eyong’s trademark celebration.

“I love anime, especially Dragon Ball," said Eyong. "Piccolo is my favourite character and that’s why I make his gesture when I score. He started out wicked and realised he couldn’t continue this way. So he began helping people and giving them advice and self-confidence. He changed his ways and had a positive impact on others. This is the part that affected me. Piccolo became selfless. His mission is to make others more powerful, and I love that about him. It’s the type of person I want to be like.

“When you make a mistake, like the penalty I missed against Celta Vigo [on November 2], you can either let it get in your head or learn from it. And those around you also have two choices: to scold you or to help you get over it and improve. I want to become a better person and help others like Piccolo does."

Anime is in many ways escapism for Eyong. He uses it to relax and shut out the noise, and there is plenty of it currently due to his rich vein of form.

Eyong has a potentially career-defining season ahead of him as he looks to fire Levante to LaLiga safety. And having won his first cap for Cameroon against Mauritius in October, he is expected to be included in Marc Brys' Africa Cup of Nations squad this winter. Before that, Cameroon also have a vital World Cup qualification semi-final playoff against DR Congo on November 13.

'El Classico' Battle For Eyong

As Eyong’s profile rises for both club and country, several of Europe’s elite teams are chasing his signature.

Barcelona and Real Madrid both hold a genuine interest. Real are inclined to add a young striker in 2026, especially one capable of operating centrally or on the right. It's a priority position given Xabi Alonso favours a 4-4-2. Jude Bellingham has been tasked with partnering Kylian Mbappe up front this season.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are planning for the long-term heir to Robert Lewandowski – one of the strikers Eyong has always looked up to. And heading to the Camp Nou would allow Eyong follow in the footsteps of his childhood hero, Samuel Eto’o.

"Eto'o was the best," said Eyong who, like many African football fans of his generation, also followed Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure. "He is one of my biggest influences. I loved him at Barcelona. And I'd call Lewandowski another role model, especially when I was younger and he was at Dortmund.

"Lewandowski has managed to score so many goals throughout his career. It's really impressive what he's doing at Barcelona right now. He is a great finisher and has intellegent movement. He always seems to know the right time to ask for the ball. I can learn a lot from him. When we play Barcelona next [in February at the Camp Nou], I hope to get Lewandowski's shirt to add to my collection.

"I'm really flattered [to be linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid]. It means so much because it shows my hard work is paying off. But I just have to continue on my journey with Levante and then see what happens in the future.

"I try not to look at my phone too much because my friends call me with all the gossip. I tell them, ‘I don’t know anything – I have just been on my PlayStation!' I would much rather play Call of Duty, watch anime or read history books than occupy my head with rumours. If a big move is meant to be, it will only happen if I work hard."

Levante Reject €30m CSKA Moscow Bid

Levante’s chief executive officer, José Danvila, has already confirmed Barcelona and Real Madrid are yet to make any offers, adding Eyong won’t leave in January. Due to playing for both Villarreal and Levante this season, Eyong can only pre-agree a summer move since FIFA rules make him ineligible to represent three clubs in the same season. Nonetheless, Danvila admitted he has recently rejected one bid, which GMS can exclusively reveal was for €30m from CSKA Moscow. Eyong was offered a significant salary, but had no interest in joining the Russian side.

“What I can tell you is that Barcelona and Real Madrid haven’t contacted Levante about Etta Eyong,” Danvila told Radio Marca. “And we haven’t had any calls from the Premier League either. We received one firm offer for the player, but it has already been rejected. I’m reading many stories about Etta, and it’s true there is growing interest, but he's not going to be sold this winter.”

GMS understands Levante could offer Eyong improved terms in order to reward him for his start to the season and quell mid-season speculation.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claimed Eyong favours a move to Barcelona, even publishing a 2017 photo of him in a Blaugrana shirt from when he was 17. Yet a transfer to the Camp Nou is by no means guaranteed, with Eyong also attracted by the Premier League.

"I can't pick between LaLiga and the Premier League because I love both leagues," said Eyong, who is advised by highly-respected consultant Vidal Kombou. "I have already achieved my dream of playing in LaLiga and my other dream is to one day play in the Premier League.

"I think I have the quality to thrive in the Premier League and that my style is well suited to English football. I am physically strong and can link up play. I love watching Premier League matches. My favourite period is the Boxing Day games. You can see the players give everything – 200 percent! What I love about the Premier League is that every game feels important. But for now my focus is just on Levante and I am ignoring all other news."

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea Tracking Eyong

Eyong certainly does seem tailor-made for the Premier League and it is therefore no surprise he has been scouted by Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

A switch to Old Trafford would see him link up with international teammate Bryan Mbeumo and aim to replicate the success of two other former Red Devils strikers.

"Manchester United is a very good team," revealed Eyong. "I used to love Robin Van Persise. He had everything – talent, style and confidence. And Wayne Rooney was another world-class striker.

"Bryan is also a fantastic player. He’s a fantastic player. I am lucky to play and train alongside him for Cameroon. I think he’s going to help me a lot, on and off the pitch. There are some parallels in our games, but we can play together and compliment each other. We can assist each other. Our relationship is getting stronger every day."

Eyong also has an affinity with Chelsea having closely followed the career of Drogba at Stamford Bridge. The Ivory Coast striker scored 164 goals in two spells with the Blues winning 13 trophies, including four Premier League titles and the 2012 Champions League.

Eyong: "Dream to play for Chelsea"

Chelsea already added forwards Liam Delap and Joao Pedro over the summer but are always alert to market opportunities, especially with up-and-coming talents. There is no indication yet whether Chelsea will advance their interest, but Eyong would certainly give serious consideration to a move to West London.

“Growing up, Chelsea was the English team I probably watched the most because of Drogba, and Eto'o was there was a year as well. Chelsea have often signed incredible African players. There are so many big clubs in England, but as for [joining] Chelsea, why not? It would be a dream for me to play for Chelsea."

Learning From Suarez and Kane

Luis Suarez and Harry Kane are two other strikers Eyong has studied. The Inter Miami and Bayern forwards have an astonishing 1,079 career goals between them for club and country. Inter Miami’s Suarez reached 600 goals in October, while Kane has scored 479 times, including 107 goals in just 112 games since leaving Tottenham for Bayern in summer 2023.

Both players have always had a natural instinct for goal but have also proven effective at linking up play from deeper positions. Given Eyong started as a midfielder, and relishes assisting not just scoring, he is probably closer in profile to Kane than Haaland.

"I am maybe a little like Kane in style," said Eyong, who is approaching 100 career games. "Erling Haaland is a world-class player and I am honoured when people compare us, but I don’t think I have reached that level yet. It’s where I aspire to be.

"It's important to watch what other strikers are doing. I've seen a lot of Kane and looked in particular at how he approaches one-vs-ones and the runs he makes off the ball. I think you can learn just as much from what Kane does off the ball, or out of possession, as when he’s scoring goals.

"Like Kane, I have a lot of power and passion and can connect play from deeper areas. He’s good with his head and feet which makes him a complete player, and that's what I aspire to be. We aren’t built exactly the same way, but I think we approach the game with a similar philosophy.

"I also enjoy watching Luis Suarez, who has always been a clinical finisher. I saw a lot of him when he was at Liverpool. He wasn't just skillful, but also direct and clever with his movement. I don't think there are many players with a bigger football brain than Suarez. All the best strikers are capable of improvising not just finishing."

"Close Friend" Baleba Worth £100m

If Eyong does end up in the Premier League, he’ll likely have one of his best friends nearby. Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba also grew up in Douala before moving to Lille in 2022 at the same time Eyong left for Cadiz.

Having come a long way in a short space of time, the pair sometimes speak about the price tags they are now worth. Baleba was linked with a £100m+ move to Manchester United over the summer, while Eyong’s market value is already almost ten times the €3m Levante paid just ten weeks ago.

"I'm so close to Carlos," said Eyong. "So why not play with him one day in the Premier League? We are from the same town in Cameroon and we can just be ourselves around each other. He’s been there to help guide me. We talk often about ways in which we can improve ourselves and build a connection on the pitch for Cameroon.

"There is nothing in the water, I promise you! Douala just has a history of producing top footballers. In fact, lots of players from all over Cameroon have moved to Europe’s top-five leagues over the years. I think it’s down to Cameroon’s love for football and the work ethic of our players.

"When people tell me what I'm worth, it means nothing to me. All that matters as a footballer is what you do on the pitch. I have spoken to Carlos about this. And sometimes I joke with him, ‘Bro, I’m not like you, a 100 million player’ and see how he reacts!

"All the matters is how we both perform. Success doesn’t come from the price others put on you, it's about the effort you put in to being the best possible footballer you can be."

Cameroon Seeking Seventh AFCON Title

Eyong and Baleba could prove pivotal as Cameroon strive to win their first Africa Cup of Nations since 2017 this winter. The tournament gets underway on December 21 and runs until January 18, 2026.

Four years ago, The Indomitable Lions lost in the last sixteen to Nigeria, while in 2021 they were dumped out on penalties in the semi-finals to Egypt – a defeat made even more bitter given it was on home soil.

Only Egypt (7) have won more AFCON titles than Cameroon (6) and expectations are high with a talented and experienced squad that also includes Mbeumo, Andre Onana, Frank Anguissa, Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Eyong only made his Cameroon debut in October, starting in a 2-0 victory over Mauritius, and he also led the line in the 0-0 World Cup-qualifer draw with Angola a few days later. He is now course to be selected for his first ever AFCON tournament, where Cameroon will face Gabon, Ivory Coast and Mozambique in the group stage.

Hosts Morocco are the pre-tournament favourites, which is perhaps no surprise given they reached the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, but Eyong believes Cameroon are capable of lifting the trophy.

"I will be very happy if I can score goals for Cameroon and help us win AFCON," he said. "It still feels surreal to have won my first caps. When I put on the Cameroon shirt for the first time [against Mauritius] my heart was thumping at 150 beats per minute! I just wanted the game to start because I knew I would calm down then. I am so proud to represent my country and I hope we can win many titles together."

Eyong has his feet firmly grounded, but that hasn’t stopped him from setting one lofty personal goal – to one day win the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Player of the Year award, colloquially known as the African Ballon d’Or. It has been won by Cameroon players a record 11 times, with Eto’o scooping the award four times.

"I think anything is possible. I am not obsessed with awards, but I must admit it would be amazing to be named Africa's best footballer. But I mostly just want to win titles with my teammates and make the fans and my family proud of me, as both a footballer and a human being."

Loyalty to Levante

It would be easy for Eyong to get ahead of himself, especially with so much hype around him. But Levante’s No.21 remains loyal to Levante and keen to repay the faith put in him by club president Pablo Sanchez.

"The whole club is like a family," said Eyong. "Everyone here just wants me to be happy and succeed. This kind of culture starts with the president, who is very ambitious. He has a big heart and exciting long-term plans for the club. He was one of the reasons I came to Levante.

"And I want to repay the fans. When they sing my name, it gives me power. And when I see young kids with 'Etta Eyong' on the back of the shirts, it always makes me smile and feel so loved. It motivates me to give my all for this club."

Eyong's immediate goal is to end this campaign with 15+ goals and get 20+ goal contributions, and his tremendous stats to date suggest he’s on track to have a breakthrough season.

Affable Eyong is essentially taking a leaf out his beloved Piccolo's book. In one of his most famous lines in Dragon Ball, the warrior says to his mentee, Goku, "I won't let you die alone out there [in the battlefield]. 'Cause kid, you were the first person to ever show me what it means to have a friend."

And after finding regular football at Levante, Eyong is not about to abandon the team who put their faith in him without first helping them survive in LaLiga, even with several suitors already knocking at his door.

"I am a spiritual person," said Eyong. "I pray several times a day, including before games. When I was little, I asked God almost every day to help me become a professional footballer, and now I am playing in LaLiga and living my dream. I am so thankful for that. My plan is clear: to train hard and score goals. If I succeed with Levante, the rest will take care of itself."

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